Pets for Patients is an active club in the Bolles community that aims to raise funds for the Nemours ADAPT (Assist Dog and Pony Therapy) organization and to volunteer at Nemours Hospital.
ADAPT is an Animal-Assisted Treatment in Jacksonville Nemours Children’s Health that strives to make healing an easier and lighter process through animal therapy. The Nemours Health website states, “The smiles on the faces of the kids in our care seems to back that up.”
The use of animals in medical treatments is not a new practice. Animal involvement in the medical field dates back to the Greeks according to Healthcare Business Today. From 600 BC the Greeks utilized the presence of horses to lift the spirits of medically ill patients, both mentally and physically, and noticed great results.
This medical use of animals continued throughout history. Even Sigmund Freud noticed that his dog’s presence when dealing with patients helped calm them.
There is sufficient scientific backing that proves the benefits of animal-assisted therapy. The therapy comes in all different forms from games and exercise to animal caretaking in order to build a relationship between pet and patient.
Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy (AAP) is not just used for those receiving medical treatment. According to ResearchGate, many more seek AAP, including children and teens facing adversity, people with neurodevelopmental disorders, people receiving psychiatric care, ex-military personnel, and inmates.
This implementation of animal therapy with teens and children is where the idea of Pets for Patients connects back to Bolles.
Led by Estella Bruneau ‘25 and sponsored by Mr. Ryan, the club has been working within the Bolles and Jacksonville community for two years now. Bruneau commented that the goal of the club is to “raise awareness for a revolutionary and exciting advancement for Nemours and its patients.”
Throughout the past few years they have held several meetings in order to plan and prepare for events and to announce volunteer opportunities.
“I think it is important to promote this organization because it is a small local non-profit that greatly benefits the young patients at Nemours,” Bruneau said, “and the medical benefits for the patients interacting with the animals is so great.”
Not only does the club aim to volunteer at Nemours and raise money for ADAPT but also to bring animals on campus for students to connect with. In the past they have brought not only dogs on campus but also a miniature horse that students could pet during the Halloween Carnival.
The club hosted an event on February 13 called “Puppy Love” which gives students the opportunity to interact with dogs and sign Valentine’s Day cards for patients.
The club hosts several events all throughout the year. Bruneau commented, “The best moment from being involved in the club was bringing the ponies taco and gypsy to campus last year. They were loved by all students, and it was such a unique event to hold at the school.”
In the future the club plans to continue to hold events and get the animals involved on campus. They also want to host field trips to volunteer at Nemours and bring the horses back to campus.
Pets for Patients isn’t just a club that brings animals to campus but instead serves a far greater purpose.
“Our goals are to provide a safe experience each time we hold a fundraiser, and to promote the non-profit so more students can get involved” Bruneau stated.
